October 21, 2006

A Sick Woman Healed

Luke 8:42b-48

She came up ... and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Luke 8:44

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Yesterday we saw that Jesus raised a 12-year-old girl back to life. Today we look at a healing that occurred while Jesus was on his way to the girl's house. In the crowd was a very sick woman. She had been bleeding profusely for 12 years, and no one could cure her. Her sickness made her an outcast from society.

All her hopes were fixed on Jesus. She got close enough to touch his cloak, and miraculously her bleeding stopped. "?Who touched me?' Jesus asked... ?I know that power has gone out from me.'" The woman knew she'd been discovered, and she came forward to tell her story.

Jesus comforted her, saying, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." By addressing her as "Daughter," Jesus acknowledged this woman's place in the family of God. She still faced many challenges, for her condition had isolated her from other people over the years, and she may have been very poor. But with her new identity she could overcome any obstacle.

These events tell us about Jesus, his nature, his actions, and his power. They reveal how he responds to people who seek his help. Maybe you are like this woman hidden in the crowd. You have a great need, and you are stretching out a hand of faith to Jesus. Be assured that Jesus cares and wants what's best for you.

Lord, cleanse us and heal us from all that's wrong in us. Forgive us our sins, give us great faith in you, and make us your children forever. In your name, Amen.

About the author — Roger S. Greenway

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